Entries in Western Kentucky University
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The Western Kentucky University (WKU) Nondestructive Analysis (NOVA) Center has been established within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The acquisition of the Large Chamber Scanning Electron Microscope (LC-SEM) has positioned WKU as the only university in North America with an instrument of this type. As envisioned, the WKU NOVA Center will be a national focal point for nondestructive measurements.

Mission: As the only University in the USA or North America with the availability of this technology, the NOVA Center will provide unrivalled Nanometrology, characterization, and analytical services by using the LC-SEM.

Vision: To be the preferred and pioneer analytical and technical service provider for non- destructive SEM analysis.

CENTER CAPABILITIES & SERVICES:

The reach of this Center is to provide analytical services, by being the only educational institution within North America to offer non-destructive SEM analysis. The LC-SEM comes equipped with a suite of instrumentation that includes:

The LC-SEM located at WKU is an answer to overcome size limitations and many other challenges in nondestructive analysis. The LC-SEM can accommodate samples up to 1500 mm in diameter and 650 lbs due to the size of the vacuum chamber and the Extended View capabilities of the optic system.

In addition to investigations of large samples, the LC-SEM has great potential for in-situ observations of deformation behavior of materials, as well as for relatively small production processes. The LC-SEM makes it possible to perform “interrupted monitoring” experiments for larger engineering parts. Analyzing the lubrication aspects of a typical automotive powertrain system including the engine, transmission, driveline, etc can be investigated using this technique. The parts can be in service for a period of time followed by a tribological investigation of the surfaces in the LC-SEM, bringing them to service immediately after the investigation is completed. This way of monitoring a system open up a wide-range of engineering applications that will permit a more detailed understanding of fundamental physics of these processes to be carried out.

PERSONNEL:

Edward J. Kintzel, Jr., Ph.D.

Director, WKU NOVA Center

Professional Preparation:

State University of New York at Buffalo Mathematical Physics B.S. 1998